The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is widely recognized and valued in the project management field, particularly in the United Kingdom and Europe. It demonstrates that the holder has a deep understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology and is capable of applying it to manage complex projects.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is a 2.5-hour, open-book exam that consists of 68 multiple-choice questions. The exam assesses candidates’ ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to manage projects in a given scenario. Candidates are required to score at least 55% to pass the exam.
Principals of the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam
Below are all the principles of the PRINCE2 exam
PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Glossary
Below are some key terms related to the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam:
- PRINCE2: Projects IN Controlled Environments, a project management methodology used in the UK and Europe.
- Principles: The seven principles of PRINCE2, which guide the application of the methodology. These include continued business justification, defined roles and responsibilities, management by stages, and more.
- Themes: The seven themes of PRINCE2, which represent areas of project management that must be addressed throughout the project. These include business case, quality, risk, and more.
- Processes: The seven processes of PRINCE2, which represent the stages of a project from initiation to closure. These include starting up a project, initiating a project, and more.
- Product: A tangible or intangible item produced by a project, such as a document, system, or service.
- Business Case: The justification for a project, including the expected benefits and costs.
- Risk: The potential for something to go wrong in a project, and the measures taken to mitigate or manage those risks.
- Change Control: The process of managing changes to the project scope, schedule, or budget.
- Project Board: The senior management team responsible for overseeing a project and making key decisions.
- Tailoring: The process of adapting the PRINCE2 methodology to fit the requirement of a specific project or organization.
How to pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam?
Here are some official resources for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam:
- PRINCE2 Official Website: This website provides information about the PRINCE2 methodology, certification exams, training courses, and more. You can also find sample exam papers and other resources to help you prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam.
Link: https://www.axelos.com/best-practice-solutions/prince2
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Guidance: This document provides guidance on the structure and content of the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. It includes information on the exam format, scoring, and preparation tips.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Sample Exam Papers: These sample exam papers provide practice questions and answers to help you prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. You can also find guidance on how to approach exam questions and manage your time.
Link: https://www.axelos.com/sample-papers/prince2-practitioner-sample-exam-papers
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Candidate Guidance: This document provides guidance on what to expect on the day of the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. It includes information on what to bring, how to register, and what to do if you need special accommodations.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Study Guide: This study guide provides a comprehensive overview of the PRINCE2 methodology and the topics covered on the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. It includes sample questions, case studies, and other resources to help you prepare for the exam.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam:
- Familiarize yourself with the PRINCE2 methodology: Make sure you have a good understanding of the PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes. Study the official PRINCE2 manual and take practice exams to reinforce your knowledge.
- Focus on the areas where you need improvement: Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and concentrate your study efforts on the areas where you need the most improvement. This will help you use your study time more efficiently.
- Use study aids: There are many study aids available, including flashcards, practice exams, and study guides. These can help you reinforce your knowledge and identify areas where you need more practice.
- Understand the scenario-based questions: Many questions on the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam are scenario-based, meaning that you will be given a project scenario and asked to answer questions about it. Make sure you read the scenario carefully and understand the context before answering the questions.
- Use the correct terminology: The PRINCE2 methodology has its own terminology, which is used throughout the exam. Make sure you are familiar with the terminology and use it correctly when answering questions.
- Stay calm and focused: Facing the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam might be tough, but keep yourself composed and attentive during the test. Breathe deeply, go through each question attentively, and spend enough time to provide your best possible answers.
- Practice, practice, practice: As you practice more, you’ll grow more at ease with the PRINCE2 approach and the exam structure. Employ practice tests and study tools to solidify your understanding and boost your self-assurance.
Roadmap to qualify Prince2 Practitioner Exam
A good preparatory guide always leads to the qualification of any exam.
Any goal can be achieved with a good roadmap. Therefore, we have provided you with a step by step guide to passing the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam with flying colours. So let’s start!
1. A field trip to Official Website
In the first place, the candidate needs to understand that the official website of PRINCE2 is the most authentic website to acquire any knowledge regarding the exam. Therefore, don’t forget to visit the official site to avoid any inconvenience. Now, lets move on to next preparatory step.
2. Understand Prince2 Practitioner exam Objectives
Furthermore, the second most important step in the preparatory guide is reviewing all the exam objectives. This helps candidates to understand the objectives of exam more clearly. Since this examination is a higher-level exam, therefore make sure that the foundation level exam is already qualified before appearing. However, this step also includes candidates awareness of other exam details as well. The topics are:
Apply the PRINCE2 principles in context
1.1 Analyze the application of PRINCE2 principles in context
a) Ensure continued business justification (2.1)
b) Learn from experience (2.2)
c) Define roles, responsibilities and relationships (2.3)
d) Manage by stages (2.4)
e) Manage by exception (2.5)
f) Focus on products (2.6)
g) Tailor to suit the project (2.7)
AXELOS Documentation: PRINCE2 – professional skills for non-project managers
Understand how to apply effective people management in successful projects
2.1 Assess whether an approach to leadership and management of teams is appropriate (3.3, 3.1)
2.2 Assess whether an approach to leadership and management of change within a project, and people affected by a project, is appropriate (3.2, 3.1)
2.3 Apply the approach to the following:
- communications (3.4)
- people central to the method (3.5)
2.4 Apply the key management products required to support the people element of projects:
- communication management approach (3.4)
- change management approach (3.2)
Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of PRINCE2 practices in context
3.1 Business case
3.1.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘business case’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘business case’ practice (5.5):
o business case
o PID: benefits management approach
o PID: sustainability management approach
o project brief
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘business case’ practice (tab 5.1)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (5.2, 5.3)
3.1.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘business case’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.7,)
3.2 Organizing
3.2.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘organizing’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘organizing’ practice (6.5):
o PID: project management team structure
o PID: role descriptions
o PID: commercial management approach
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘organizing’ practice (tab 6.4)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (6.2, 6.3)
3.2.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘organizing’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7)
3.3 Plans
3.3.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘plans’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘plans’ practice (7.5):
o plan (project, stage, team & exception plans)
o project product description
o work package description
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘plans’ practice (tab 7.1)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (7.2, 7.3)
3.3.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘plans’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective
management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.7)
3.4 Quality
3.4.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘quality’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘quality’ practice (8.5):
o product description
o project log: product register
o PID: quality management approach
o project log: quality register
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘quality’ practice (tab 8.2)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (8.2, 8.3)
3.4.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘quality’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.7)
3.5 Risk
3.5.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘risk’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘risk’ practice (9.5):
o PID: risk management approach
o project log: risk register
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘risk’ practice (tab 9.3)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (9.2, 9.3)
3.5.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘risk’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.7)
3.6 Issues
3.6.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘issues’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘issues’ practice (10.5):
o PID: issue management approach
o issue register
o issue report
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘issues’ practice (tab 10.2)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (10.2, 10.3)
3.6.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘issues’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.7)
3.7 Progress
3.7.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘progress’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘progress’ practice (11.5):
o project log: daily log
o project log: lessons log
o lessons report
o end stage report
o end project report
o checkpoint report
o highlight report
o exception report
o PID: digital and data management approach
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘progress’ practice (tab 11.3)
Understand how to apply (and tailor) relevant aspects of PRINCE2 processes in context
4.1 Starting up a project
4.1.1 Carry out the ‘starting up a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 13.1, 13.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 13.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 13.3)
4.1.2 Analyse whether the ‘starting up a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (13.1, 13.2, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7)
4.2 Directing a project
4.2.1 Carry out the ‘directing a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 14.1, 14.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 14.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 14.3)
4.2.2 Analyse whether the ‘directing a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7)
4.3 Initiating a project
4.3.1 Carry out the ‘initiating a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 15.1, 15.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 15.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 15.3)
4.3.2 Analyse whether the ‘initiating a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (15.1, 15.2, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7)
4.4 Controlling a stage
4.4.1 Carry out the ‘controlling a stage’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (Tab 16.1, 16.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 16.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 16.3)
4.4.2 Analyse whether the ‘controlling a stage’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (16.1, 16.2, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7)
4.5 Managing product delivery
4.5.1 Carry out the ‘managing product delivery’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 17.1, 17.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 17.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 17.3)
4.5.2 Analyse whether the ‘managing product delivery’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (17.1, 17.2, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7)
4.6 Managing a stage boundary
4.6.1 Carry out the ‘managing a stage boundary’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 18.1, 18.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 18.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 18.3)
4.6.2 Analyse whether the ‘managing a stage boundary’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (18.1, 18.2, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7)
4.7 Closing a project
4.7.1 Carry out the ‘closing a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 19.1, 19.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 19.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 19.3)
4.7.2 Analyse whether the ‘closing a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (19.1, 19.2, 19.4, 19.5, 19.6, 19.7)
Moreover, we recommend going through this step strongly. Now that you’ve acquired all the information about the exam and have reviewed all the exam objectives. Let’s move on to learning resources.
3. All Learning Resources
The third step in the preparatory guide is Learning Resources. Without learning resources your preparation is incomplete for obvious reasons. Moving on, towards different resources from where you can acquire all the knowledge to pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. PRINCE2.com provides all the relevant information regarding the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. It offers candidates with Virtual, Online & classroom mode to study from.
Furthermore, candidates can also go through various books as well. Moreover, we suggest going through the PRINCE2 manual. This manual covers all the topics related to the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam.
4. Join a Study Group
Next step in the preparatory guide is joining a study group. Well, exams can be hard and stressful. Therefore, our recommendation would be to join the study group.
Certainly, study groups provide an excellent setting to resolve any uncertainties you have. Plus, they give you the push to keep moving forward. You can easily connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges on your journey.
5. Practice makes you perfect
Lastly, don’t forget the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam or mock tests – they’re fantastic for boosting your confidence. This final step gives you a precise view of your strengths and areas for improvement. It not only shows you where you stand but also offers room to enhance. So, our recommendation is to tackle the practice sets only when you feel fully prepared. Unquestionably, start practising now!
Expert Tips
A few experts’ tips can change the way you prepare. so, make sure you follow these expert tips to qualify the exam with great result.
- Firstly, Don’t try and do the last minutes prep. Try to organize your preparation and keep track of it.
- Furthermore, make sure the you have enrolled either in offline or online training course as well.
- After this, make sure that you have developed a clear understanding of each and every aspect of exam syllabus.
Final Words
In conclusion, PRINCE2 certification is the perfect way to set in motion your career in Project Management. Being one of the most talked about certification and becoming one of the most desirable too, opens up an ample number of opportunities for candidates. So, our suggestion to you would be to prepare well. Since PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is the last step of the ladder to get PRINCE2 certified.
In case you still have any query related to PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, make sure to comment down below and we’ll be happy to help you. Till then, keep practicing!
